Introduction

The primary research interests of the coastal ecology program are focused upon coastal wetland restoration ecology, conservation and land management within both temperate and tropical habitats. This work has had a particular emphasis on the anthropogenic impacts to wetlands and the management of invasive species within these habitats. Through short and long-term studies, the research examines the interplay between plant community patterns and sediment biogeochemistry seeking to gain an increased understanding of the causes of habitat loss, plant species invasions, and of innovative strategies for restoring native plant communities. The salt marshes of Cape Cod have been of direct focus, examining the biogeochemistry of tidally restricted vs. natural communities; however, as well as ongoing research sites within New Hampshire examining the biogeochemical responses of damaged salt marshes to ecosystem restoration. These projects are conducted in cooperation and/or collaboration with the Cape Cod Commission (CCC), the Association to Preserve Cape Cod (APCC), and the University of New Hampshire. The work is supported by Sweet Water Trust, The Boston Foundation, The William P. Wharton Trust, the Grace W. Allsop Foundation, and the Community Foundation of Cape Cod, the New Hampshire Coastal Program and Ducks Unlimited.

Additionally, the coastal ecology program is directing several tropical coastal wetlands (mangrove swamps), examining biogeochemical responses to disturbance and plant community restoration as well as ecosystem-scale surveys of plant species and habitat diversity towards regional land management and conservation efforts. This work is conducted within Grenada, St. Vincent and the Grenadines in collaboration with researchers from the North Carolina State University and in association with The Nature Conservancy (TNC), Earthwatch Institute, Kido Ecological Research Station (KERS), and the Government of Grenada Ministry of Agriculture.